Ministry reviewing walking tracks

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has begun a review of the Walking Access Act 2008.

MPI will be assessing the act and whether it still provides the access needed to New Zealand’s outdoors — land, bush, mountains, rivers, coasts and areas of cultural significance.

“New Zealand is lucky to have such beautiful natural resources all around us,” says MPI director of environment and communities Charlotte Denny.

“New Zealanders love to get outdoors and want to have access to a range of places to walk, bike, hunt, swim, surf and boat, whether in town, in rural areas or further afield.

“Under the act a review must be undertaken after 10 years. Our review will look at whether the act is fit for the future, and what improvements are needed.

“As part of the review, we’ll be meeting with a number of stakeholders in December 2018 do some early scoping of what the issues are, and consult with the public in April/may 2019 to get their views on these issues,” Ms Denny says.